What is a Topology?

• Network topologies describe the ways in which the elements of a

network are mapped. They describe the physical and logical
arrangement of the network nodes.

• The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of

cables, computers, and other peripherals

Computer Network Topologies

Maninder Kaur
professormaninder@gmail.com

Different Types of Topologies Bus Topology

• Bus Topology • All the nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) on a bus
topology are connected by one single cable.
• Star Topology
• A bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at
• Ring Topology each end. All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are
connected to the linear cable.

• Mesh Topology
• Popular on LANs because they are inexpensive and easy to install.

• Tree Topology

• Hybrid Topology

Bus Topology Bus Topology

Advantages of Bus Topology
• It is Cheap, easy to handle and implement.
• Require less cable
• It is best suited for small networks.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

• The cable length is limited. This limits the number of stations that
can be connected.
• This network topology can perform well only for a limited number of
nodes.

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 Ring Topology Ring Topology
• In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbours for
communication purposes.

• All messages travel through a ring in the same direction.

• A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the
entire network.

• To implement a ring network we use the Token Ring technology

• A token, or small data packet, is continuously passed around the

network. When a device needs to transmit, it reserves the token for the
next trip around, then attaches its data packet to it.

Ring Topology Star Topology

Advantage of Ring Topology • In a star network, each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) is
• Very orderly network where every device has access to the token and the connected to a central device called a hub.
opportunity to transmit.
• Easier to Mange than a Bus Network • The hub takes a signal that comes from any node and passes it along to
all the other nodes in the network.
• Good Communication over long distances
• Handles high volume of traffic • Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator
before continuing to its destination.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology • The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls all functions of
the network.
• The failure of a single node of the network can cause the entire network
to fail.
• The star topology reduces the chance of network failure by connecting
• The movement or changes made to network nodes affects the all of the systems to a central node.
performance of the entire network.

Star Topology Star Topology

Advantages of Star Topology
• Easy to manage
• Easy to locate problems (cable/workstations)
• Easier to expand than a bus or ring topology.
• Easy to install and wire.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of Star Topology

• Requires more cable length than a linear topology.
• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
• More expensive because of the cost of the concentrators.

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 Tree Topology Tree Topology
• A tree topology (hierarchical topology) can be viewed as a collection
of star networks arranged in a hierarchy.

• This tree has individual peripheral nodes which are required to

transmit to and receive from one other only and are not required to
act as repeaters or regenerators.

• The tree topology arranges links and nodes into distinct hierarchies in
order to allow greater control and easier troubleshooting.

• This is particularly helpful for colleges, universities and schools so

that each of the connect to the big network in some way.

Tree Topology Mesh Topology

Advantages of a Tree Topology
• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
• Supported by several hardware and software vendors.
• All the computers have access to the larger and their immediate
networks.
Disadvantages of a Tree Topology
• Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.
• In this topology, each node is connected to every other node in the
network.
• Implementing the mesh topology is expensive and difficult.
• In this type of network, each node may send message to destination
through multiple paths.
• While the data is travelling on the Mesh Network it is automatically
configured to reach the destination by taking the shortest route which
means the least number of hops.

Mesh Topology Mesh Topology

Advantage of Mesh Topology

• No traffic problem as there are dedicated links.

• It has multiple links, so if one route is blocked then other routes can
be used for data communication.
• Points to point links make fault identification easy.

Disadvantage of Mesh Topology

• There is mesh of wiring which can be difficult to manage.
• Installation is complex as each node is connected to every node.
• Cabling cost is high.

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 Hybrid Topology Hybrid Topology
• A combination of any two or more network topologies.

• A hybrid topology always accrues when two different basic network

topologies are connected.

• It is a mixture of above mentioned topologies. Usually, a central

computer is attached with sub-controllers which in turn participate in
a variety of topologies

Hybrid Topology THANKS A LOT

Advantages of a Hybrid Topology HAVE A NICE DAY
• It is extremely flexible.
• It is very reliable.

Disadvantages of a Hybrid Topology

• Expensive